Oh, Canada! 17 national parks that give this beautiful nation reason to boast

For many Americans, it's easy to gloss over their Canadian neighbors to the north. As one of the most powerful countries on Earth, the U.S. does a great job at squeezing itself into the spotlight and overshadowing everyone else. In the case of Canada, this even happens with the two countries' national holidays, which happen to fall just a few days apart. While the U.S. Independence Day on July 4 is known for being a spectacularly raucous affair with fireworks, cookouts and lots and lots of drinking, Canada Day on July 1 tends to be a much more subdued observance.

Although Canadians aren't ones to brag, ignoring the natural beauty of this country would be a grave mistake when considering the vast swath of lands covered in rugged mountains, crystal clear lakes, massive glaciers, desolate tundra and lush, temperate rain forests. To celebrate Canada's birthday, MNN brings you this breathtaking glimpse into the variation of landscape and geography found within 17 of the country's most amazing national parks.

To kick things off, let's spotlight Canada's oldest and most visited national park!

Banff National Park (above)

Location: Alberta

Park size: 2,564 square miles

Established: 1885

Fun fact: Because the blue-green waters of Banff's Moraine Lake are fed by glacial melt, the water levels don't reach their peak crest until late June.

Fun fact: Located within Canada's newest territory, Quttinirpaaq means "top of the world" in the Inuktitut language, which makes sense considering it is the second most northerly park on Earth after Northeast Greenland National Park.